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4 Incredible Terraced Fields in Vietnam

Lush-green terraced rice paddies help to create exquisite countryside landscapes in Vietnam. This crop is a stable of SE Asia and has been popular in Vietnam for thousands of years. The rich-green rice fields are among the most celebrated and photographed terrains in the country.

In addition to providing a basic ingredient for the country, the rice paddies also give the tourist on the Vietnam holiday a perfect opportunity to get an insight into the delights, beauty and culture of the country.

Vietnam has a very mountainous terrain which means the terraced fields are seen in plenty of regions across the country. Beyond the visual aspects, the terrace layout for the crops makes it possible to create a very effective farming system with the better irrigation and low change of erosion.

For travellers on the Vietnam family tour interested in experiencing the glorious visual display of the rice culture, Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, and Hoang Su Phi are among the most beautiful locations. Sapa is likely to be the most popular tourist destination and a must-see spectacle when travelling in the north of the country.

Below is a list of four visually stunning and impressive terraced rice paddies to be discovered in this Vietnam travel guide:

SapaSapa is a stunning town in Northwest Vietnam and isn’t too far from the Chinese border. This region is very mountainous to make it a favourable region for carving out the rice terraces that produce abundant rice crops. The major terraces are located in the Muong Hoa valley which is between the Fansipan Mountain and Sapa town.

The best time to visit Sapa is between September and October to really appreciate the true beauty of the terraced rice fields. At this time of year, the rice fields create fantastic scenery and see a rush of tourists visiting to appreciate the beauty of the region. This northern district has several local communities (Hmong, Tay, Dao and Giay) involved in growing rice and corn in the fields.

In addition to growing rice crops to sustain the local people, the naturally beautiful scenery has helped to create a top tourist destination for the trekking adventure in Vietnam. Sapa village is the perfect base for a single or multi-day trek and is easily reached from the capital city, Hanoi. Additionally, there are plenty of traditional markets in the local villages, while the local art scene is appreciated for the quality and colours of embroidery.

Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai)Mu Cang Chai is about 300 km northwest of Hanoi and blessed with some of the most amazing rice-terraced fields in Vietnam. Its unique landscape helps to attract tourists and photographers with the most brilliant period to visit is October to November when the rice harvest takes place. The valley is rich in stunning landscape with its yellow and green rice plants. The mountains the terraced fields are carved into stand at a height of 1000 to 2000 metres above sea level. These mountains have been farmed by the local ethnic Hmong farmed for hundreds of years.

A great way to explore Mu Cang Chai is by motorbike to give complete freedom in your travel itinerary and to stop at many local sights on your travels. A few of the highlights to appear on the itinerary are likely to include Khau Pha mountain pass, Lim Mong valley and La Pan Tan terraces.

Tu Le (Yen Bai)Tu Le valley is about 300 km northwest of Hanoi and is nestled between the mountains of Khau Than, Khau Song and Khau Pha.

The terraced rice paddies of Tu Le provide exceptional beauty come harvest time, especially for those on a Vietnam photography tour and viewing from a high vantage point. These striking fields are great for attracting the local Vietnamese youth or tourists that wish to take the most memorable pictures that really highlight the natural scenery of the country. Also, while in the Tu Le valley it is possible to meet the hospitable and friendly ethnic minority tribes that wear unique and colourful costumes.

A great time to visit Tu Le Valley is September to October when the rice is being harvested for the most stunning scenery. But, if you travel plans do not permit this, try to travel to the region in May when the rice paddies are being planted and the terraces are flooded.

Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang)Hoang Su Phi is well-known for its terraced fields and is located approx 112 km from Ha Giang City. The rice paddies are split between several villages, including Ho Thau, Nam Ty and Thong Ngyen. Also, the region has a varied culture with markets highlighted by the Dao, Hmong, Nung and Tay people.

A great time to visit Hoang Su Phi for tourists is in autumn when the harvest season is taking place. This gives a perfect opportunity to admire the terraced rice fields while blessed with a glistening yellowish colour. Hoang Su Phi is not only great for providing its harvests for the local people but also makes a splendid attraction for the travellers on the Vietnam private tour.

For the landscape photographers, Hoang Su Phi is a wonderful place to visit. This richly attractive region of Vietnam has unique character and deep valleys to help bring the generous harvests for the local farmers, while also offering a stunning attraction for tourists.

A multi-day tour of Hoang Su Phi is great for photography and trekking, while a great nights rest is achieved at one of the homestays offered by the local hill tribes.

Travelling to the regions offering the terraced rice paddies not only provides the amazing scenery, but also gives a perfect excuse to get away from the noise and crowds of urban Vietnam. Plus, it is possible to get a glimpse and an appreciation of the lives of the local ethnic minorities, such as the Thai and Hmong.